This 2023 Chevrolet Silverado Just Got a New Base Engine

Chevrolet just announced that the 2023 Silverado 1500 RST Crew Cab is getting a new base engine. This is a bit surprising because up to now its base engine was the 5.3-liter L84 V8. The new base engine is now the 2.7-liter L3B turbo inline four-cylinder. This covers all RST Crew Cab trucks whether ordered with the short bed or standard bed. 

Wasn’t the 2.7-liter engine always the base engine?

Chevy Silverado
2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | GM

It’s a bit confusing, as the Silverado 1500 RST Double Cab already lists the 2.7-liter as its base engine. In any event, the RST models will continue offering the 6.2-liter L87 V8 gas engine, the formerly base 5.3-liter V8, and the 3.0-liter LZ0 inline six-cylinder Duramax turbodiesel engine. For comparison, the 2.7-liter engine four has 310 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque, versus the now-optional 5.3-liter V8 rated at 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. 

So the difference is not too great. But keep in mind that the V8 means you can opt for the Z71 off-road package. According to GMAuthority, it is not available with the 2.7-liter. There is also the matter of fuel economy. The 3.0-liter Duramax diesel engine has the best mileage figures at 23 City and 33 Highway mpg. Four-wheel drive drops those figures.

What MPG and towing capacity does the Silverado 1500 have?

2023 Silverado
2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 single cab short bed | GM

If you choose the base 2.7-liter, the mileage is 20 City and 22 Highway. With the 5.3-liter V8, the City number drops to 16 mpg but stays at 22 mpg for Highway numbers. The 6.2-liter V8 has similar numbers at 16/21 mpg. 

The top-of-the-line Silverado 6.2-liter V8 puts out 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. It has a towing capacity ranging between 8,900 lbs and 13,300 lbs depending on options. Towing capacity for the 5.3-liter is between 9,300 lbs and 11,300 lbs, with the base 2.7-liter engine at 9,500 lbs. The 3.0-liter LZ0 turbodiesel Duramax engine has 305 hp and 495 lb-ft of torque ratings, with towing capacity ranging from 9,000 lbs to 13,300 lbs. 

With the base engine, you get the eight-speed automatic transmission. The other three engines are hooked to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Both two-and four-wheel drive are available. 

What are the Silverado trims and how much are they?

2023 silverado
2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | GM
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Overview: All 2023 Chevy Silverado 1500 Engine Options

For 2023, the Silverado 1500 comes in five different trims. The base model is the WT or Work Truck, starting at $36,645. Next is the Custom, jumping up to $43,945. The LT bumps up to $48,345, and also comes with a more luxurious interior. 

In the middle is the Trail Boss at $52,145. Going for the top-of-the-line trim is the High Country starting at almost $64,000. It is followed by the LTZ at $59,045, and the RST priced at $53,345. 

Of course, technology, safety, and driver-assist features are compatible with its rivals. The Ram 1500, Ford F-150, and Silverado 1500 each bring unique attributes for truck buyers. We’d place the Silverado 1500 between the Ram and F-150 as far as capability, features, and overall use are concerned. Intrinsic offerings like specific interior appointments, overall design, and seat-of-the-pants feel will surely guide you to the right 2023 pickup.